Powerful Photoshop Layers: Production Graphics with Wendy Peck at webreference.com

Photoshop Layers: The Freedom Tool

Shangara Singh, an incredible Photoshop power-user, and certified
Photoshop Expert, has created a list of shortcuts
and rare methods to use with layers. Get there right away,
but make sure your seatbelt is fastened. And make sure you visit Shangara's
site: http://www.oxyopia.co.uk/

Layers in Photoshop

Layers in PaintShop Pro

Layers in Fireworks

Many of you will not remember when we gained the ability to work
in layers. I will never forget the feeling as I realized what it would
mean to be able to keep layers separate. Before layers, you would
add text or another element, and had to think really hard before you
finished the operation, since the new element melted into the background
instantly. Imagine that, and then consider that this was before the
history function with multiple undo levels was added.

Why is the history important? This may be part of a "when I
was a kid I had to walk twelve miles through the bush in the snow"
syndrome. We old time computer graphics people are no different than
any group who went through pioneer days (you will sure not hear us
talking about the good ol' days though).

But it is often revealing to think about the development path of
software. When a feature has always been part of your software, you
may not appreciate the difference it can make. When you force yourself
to think of what your work would be like without layers, the true
value shines through. Pretend you cannot use layers, and new uses
may come to mind. Remember also, that much of graphic software development
has been driven by the demands of professional users.

We are going to take a close look at layers in raster programs, how
to organize your work and how to efficiently link, merge and save
your layers. You will find that pausing to study and form good work
habits with layers will pay you back time and time again, And that
is without thinking about using layers to setup for mouseovers and
slicing  a topic for another article.

In this article, we will look at the basics of working with layers
in Photoshop. Next time, we will look at PaintShop Pro and Fireworks.
We will look at layers for vector programs at another time.

So get ready for more of the basics. I know a lot that I feature
is not exciting. But when you fully understand the basic functions
of a program you are more likely to be successful with the exciting
techniques you attempt. Again I remind you ... time spent on mastering
the essential functions of graphics programs can only be classed as
a guaranteed investment for any professional.

What is a layer?
The best way to understand layers is to think of each layer as a sheet
of acetate, as used for overhead projectors. Picture a clear page,
with parts of the page information on each page. In the sample at
the left, note which object is in front of the next and then note
the stacking order as represented in the exploded layers representation.
The Photoshop Layers palette for this design is shown below.

It is best to place every new element, or addition to an element,
on its own layer. You can always merge (combine) layers, and it is
much safer and faster to build each element a layer at a time. Once
you are satisfied with the look, you can then combine the elements
that make up that object. As an example: If you wish to make a square
with an outline, build your square first, and then add your outline
on a new layer. As long as the layers are separate, you can easily
change either the fill or the stroke color, and the stroke width.

Building in layers will seem awkward in the beginning, since it is
easy to gather a significant number of layers. Soon though, you will
develop an instinct for when to combine and link layers to make the
layers palette less cumbersome. Let's move on the specifics of layers
in Photoshop.

Wendy
Peck is a working Web designer and writer living in NW Ontario, Canada.
http://wpeck.com